Medical History: A 19-year-old college student was rock climbing when he fell 30 feet to the ground. Paramedics arriving at the scene found him lying in the supine position, unable to move any extremities and complaining of neck pain. He was awake, alert, and oriented to his current location, the date and day of the week, and the details of his fall. His responses to questioning were appropriate. He complained that he could not feel his arms and legs.
His pupils were equal and reactive to light. He showed no other signs of injury except for several scrapes on his arms. The paramedics applied a cervical collar, placed him on a back board, immobilized his head, and transported him to the trauma center by helicopter. Physical Examination: Upon examination at the hospital, the boy had minimal biceps brachii stretch reflexes, but no triceps or wrist extensor reflexes. He had some sensation…
